Healthcare workers and first responders across the United States and Canada are combating the Covid-19 pandemic at the frontline. Now, more than ever, we need to stand in solidarity with these workers to help get the personal protective equipment that they need. 

We know that many of you have worked with your employer to provide extra personal protective equipment (PPE) to local organizations in need. However, we want to encourage all locals to reach out to their employers to help if you can. A list of commonly used personal protective equipment and info on how you can help is below. Also, each state has a State Emergency Operation Centers (SEOC) that is always willing to collect essential equipment. You can find your SEOC by contacting your State Department of Public Safety, Department of Emergency Management or similar agency.

If you have any questions or need additional information please e-mail the USW Health, Safety and Environment Department at safety@usw.org. For more information on the pandemic and to find union resources to help workers, please visit our page usw.org/covid19, which we are updating regularly.

What's Needed - Commonly Used PPE

Take this list to your employer and ask if any of the items on this list are available to donate to your local hospital, nursing home, or other organization on the frontline of this pandemic.

Once supplies are collected, contact your local organization’s human resources agent or public spokesperson. Contact information can be found on the company’s website. Tell the organization what equipment you have to donate and arrange a pick-up or drop-off. 

Respirators

N95 respirators most common in health care. They are in critically short supply. However, some other respirators are just as, if not more, protective. Any of these respirators will protect health care workers:

• Filtering facepiece respirators: N95, N99, N100, P95, P99, P100. 
• Elastomeric half-face or full-face respirators with P100 filters
• Half-face or full-face powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) with high-efficiency particulate filters
• Loose-fitting hood or helmet PAPRs with a high-efficiency particulate filters.

List of Common Personal Protective Equipment 

• Gloves (Neoprene, Vinyl, and Nitrile) 
• Aprons
• Long-sleeved gowns
• Eye goggles
• Face visors
• Disposable Shoe Covers

Some respirators could require a fit test or seal check for workers, and some PPE may require training. Please discuss the donation with the hospital or other receiving organizations.

Please contact the USW’s Health Safety and Environment Department at safety@usw.org with questions about PPE.

How do I get equipment to the hospital or other organization?

Once supplies are collected, contact your local organization’s human resources agent or public spokesperson. Contact information can be found on the company’s website. Tell the organization what equipment you have to donate and arrange a pick-up or drop-off. 

I need help or more information.

Contact our USW Health, Safety and Environment Department via e-mail.